Watch The Burning Times

The Burning Times, directed by renowned Canadian documentarian Donna Read, is a landmark film for both the feminist and the Wiccan movements. Released in 1990, it explores the history of the witch hunts that took place in Europe and North America between the 15th and the 18th century, and contextualizes them within the larger historical and cultural background of patriarchal societies and institutionalized Christianity.

The film features a rich blend of interviews, dramatic reenactments, archival footage, and original music, all skillfully intertwined to create a coherent and emotionally engaging narrative. At the center of the film is the figure of Starhawk, a prominent activist and author in the feminist and pagan communities, whose personal story represents the resilience and creativity of contemporary witches who have inherited the legacy of the witch hunts.

The film begins with a brief overview of the main historical events and theological doctrines that led to the demonization of women, as well as the social and economic factors that created the conditions for the persecutions to take place. We see how the early Christian church, struggling to establish its authority and suppress rival beliefs, borrowed from pagan mythologies and symbols to create a powerful propaganda that portrayed women as inherently sinful, seductive, and dangerous. Through expert commentary and vivid illustrations, we learn about the inquisitorial methods that were used to extract confessions and accusations of witchcraft, such as torture, sleep deprivation, and the use of hallucinogenic drugs.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to a diverse and inspiring cast of contemporary witches, each with their own voice and perspective. We hear from Barbara Pecarich, a Wiccan priestess from California who shares her personal journey of self-discovery and healing through nature-based spirituality. We also meet Margot Adler, a journalist and author who offers a compelling analysis of the intersection between politics and magic, and how witches have used their knowledge and skills to promote social justice and environmental awareness.

Throughout the film, Starhawk provides a powerful and nuanced critique of the patriarchal mindset that fueled the witch hunts, and offers an alternative vision of a world in which women and nature are honored and respected. Her presence on screen is both passionate and calming, as she shares her insights and experiences with grace and humor. By showing us how she and her peers use rituals, spells, and other forms of magic to connect with their inner selves and the wider world, she invites us to reconsider our own relationship with spirituality and the natural world.

One of the most striking features of The Burning Times is its visual and musical aesthetics. The film is shot in gorgeous locations, including the dramatic landscapes of California, New Mexico, and Scotland, and is accompanied by a haunting and evocative soundtrack that incorporates elements of folk and world music. The use of animated sequences and artistic collages also adds a playful and creative touch to the narrative.

Overall, The Burning Times is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking that manages to inform, inspire, and entertain in equal measure. It is a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed in the name of religion and gender oppression, and a celebration of the resilience and creativity of those who have fought and continue to fight for a more just and compassionate world. It is a film that deserves to be seen by anyone who is interested in history, spirituality, feminism, or environmentalism, and who seeks to understand the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. So, it is a must-watch for everyone who is interested in these topics.

The Burning Times is a 1990 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.